The role of placement and practicum in the professional readiness of ECEC educators working with infants and toddlers

ABSTRACT This study took place in the University of West Attica, Department of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Greece, founded in 2018, which focuses on the learning, development and education of children under four years of age. Greece has a split early childhood education system, and there is minimal attention given to infant and toddler research. This study explored students’ views before and after their final practicum through two online questionnaires to identify the effectiveness of the undergraduate programme of studies in preparing ECEC educators for their professional roles. The study also interviewed in-service educators in their first year of employment and graduates who have completed their practicum in a foreign country under the Erasmus+ programme. Findings revealed an overall satisfaction with the existing programme and the effectiveness of the final practicum. Students who completed an Erasmus+ practicum were particularly positive about their experience and the knowledge they acquired, and they encouraged more students to apply for the Erasmus+ mobility scheme. All participants provided useful insights and suggestions for further improving the programme, such as extending the placement and practicum. Implications for ECEC educators’ education are discussed, along with recommendations for future research.